TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) -- Kansas House members have rejected a Senate plan to end the state's renewable energy standards despite concerns that the policies are leading to higher utility rates for businesses and residents.

The chamber voted 77-42 on Wednesday to reject an attempt to place the bill in a conference committee, where House and Senate members could negotiate a compromise.

The standards require utility companies to provide 20 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2020.

They were put in place in 2009 when legislators allowed the construction of a coal-fired power plant in southwest Kansas, as part of a trade-off struck by then-Gov. Mark Parkinson and power plant supporters.

Critics argued Wednesday that the energy standards are unnecessary and lead to higher utility rates. Supporters say the standards promote economic growth.

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